Triple Death Crash 'Left Huge Hole in Family'

The families of three people who died on Boxing Day when a car ploughed into a group of pedestriansin Doncaster have said their lives have been changed forever

The families of three people who died on Boxing Day when a car ploughed into a group of pedestrians in Doncaster have said their lives have been changed forever.

Andrew Tomlinson, 48, and his wife Faye Tomlinson, 54, died following a collision in the Askern area of Doncaster along with Mandy Deere, 54.

Mrs Deere's husband, John Deere, 57, remains in a critical condition in hospital.

In a statement released through police, they said: "We would like to sincerely thank the community of Askern, and Doncaster, for their continued generosity with fund raising towards funeral costs for Andrew, Fay and Mandy.

"We are extremely humbled by the number of people who have donated, laid flowers, and attended the recent memorial to support our family and offer their condolences.

"Boxing Day's tragic events have devastated our family, changing our lives forever, leaving behind nine children, 19 grandchildren, parents, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews, who are completely heartbroken. There is now a huge hole in our family which will never be repaired.

"Everyone's thoughts and prayers for John's recovery are very much appreciated, and we kindly ask that our privacy continues to be respected throughout this devastating time.''

Ricky Joe Hepworth, 24, of Newmarche Drive in Askern, has appeared in court charged with three counts of death by dangerous driving, three counts of aggravated vehicle taking, three counts of causing a death while driving uninsured and unlicensed, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision.